How to Renew Your Vermont Driver's License

Vermont renewal options: online, by mail, or in person

Vermont lets you renew your driver's license online if you meet certain conditions, by mail if you prefer not to go in person, or at a DMV office if you need to renew in person. The online option is fastest — you can finish in minutes and your renewed license ships within 7 to 10 business days. Mail renewal takes longer but requires no visit. In-person renewal at a DMV office is necessary if your license has been suspended, if you need to change your address or name, or if you're over 65 and renewing for the first time in several years.

Your renewal timeline depends on your license expiration date and which method you choose. Vermont sends renewal notices about 60 days before your license expires, but you don't have to wait for the notice to start the process. You can renew up to one year before expiration.

Key Takeaways

Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs $70 for a five-year license, with delivery in 7 to 10 business days.
Mail renewal requires you to send your current license, a completed form, and payment to the DMV address in Montpelier, and takes 2 to 3 weeks.
You must renew in person if your license is suspended, if you need a Real ID, or if you're changing your name or address.
Vermont charges $70 for a five-year renewal or $35 for a one-year renewal if you're not yet ready for a full term.
If your license has expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew by mail or online and must visit a DMV office in person.

Online renewal through the Vermont DMV website

To renew online, go to the Vermont DMV website and select the online renewal option. You'll need your current license number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and a valid payment method (debit or credit card). The system will verify your information against DMV records and ask you to confirm your address. If everything matches, you'll pay the renewal fee and receive a confirmation number when ready.

Online renewal is only available if your license is not suspended, your address hasn't changed, and you're not explore for a Real ID. If any of those conditions explore, you'll need to renew by mail or in person instead. Vermont will mail your renewed license to the address on file, and you should receive it within 7 to 10 business days. Your old license remains valid until the new one arrives.

Mail renewal: what to send and where

To renew by mail, request a renewal form from the Vermont DMV or print one from their website. Complete the form, sign it, and mail it along with your current driver's license and a check or money order for the renewal fee to the Vermont Department of Motor Vehicles, 120 State Street, Montpelier, VT 05603. Do not send cash.

Mail renewal takes 2 to 3 weeks from the date the DMV receives your packet. Keep a copy of your form and note the date you mailed it so you can track your renewal if needed. If you don't receive your renewed license within 4 weeks, contact the DMV to confirm they received your materials. Mail renewal is a good option if you have a flexible schedule and don't need your license urgently, but it's slower than online renewal.

In-person renewal at a Vermont DMV office

Visit a DMV office in person if your license is suspended, if you're explore for a Real ID, if you need to change your name or address, or if your license expired more than one year ago. Bring your current license, proof of your Social Security number (Social Security card, W-2, or tax return), and proof of your current address (utility bill, lease, or bank statement dated within the last 60 days). If you're changing your name, bring a certified copy of the document that shows the change — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or court order.

Vermont DMV offices are located in Montpelier, Rutland, St. Johnsbury, and Brattleboro. You can walk in during business hours or schedule an appointment online to reduce wait time. In-person renewal is usually completed the same day, and you'll receive a temporary license to use while your permanent license is mailed to you. Your permanent license arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Real ID and what it means for your renewal

If you want a Real ID-compliant license, you must renew in person at a DMV office. A Real ID is required to board a domestic flight or enter a federal building as of May 2025. When you renew in person for a Real ID, bring your current license, proof of citizenship (passport, birth certificate, or naturalization papers), proof of Social Security number, and two proofs of your current address.

Real ID renewal costs the same as a standard renewal — $70 for five years or $35 for one year. The process takes the same amount of time in person, but you cannot get a Real ID through online or mail renewal. If you're not ready to upgrade to Real ID, you can continue renewing your standard license online or by mail as long as you don't need to fly domestically or access federal buildings.

Renewal fees and license validity periods

Vermont charges $70 for a five-year driver's license renewal and $35 for a one-year renewal. You choose the term length when you renew. Five-year licenses are more common and cost less per year, but one-year licenses are useful if you're planning to move out of state soon or if you're not sure you'll need to drive for the full five years. Payment is by check or money order for mail renewal, or by debit or credit card for online renewal and in-person renewal.

Your renewed license is valid for the term you choose, starting from the date of renewal. If you renew before your current license expires, your new license's expiration date is calculated from the renewal date, not from your old expiration date. This means renewing early doesn't extend your total driving privilege — it just resets the clock.

What to do if your license has been expired for more than a year

If your license expired more than one year ago, you cannot renew it online or by mail. You must visit a DMV office in person and go through the standard renewal process. Bring the same documents you would for any in-person renewal: your expired license, proof of Social Security number, and proof of your current address. If your address has changed since your license expired, bring documentation of the new address.

Renewing a license that's been expired for over a year takes the same amount of time as a standard in-person renewal, and the fee is the same. You'll receive a temporary license on the spot and your permanent license within 7 to 10 business days. If your license was suspended at any point during the expiration period, you may need to resolve that suspension before you can renew — contact the DMV to check your status before you visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I renew my Vermont license if I'm out of state?

Yes. You can renew online or by mail from anywhere. Online renewal is fastest if you meet the requirements (no suspension, no address change, no Real ID). If you need a Real ID or have a suspended license, you'll need to visit a Vermont DMV office in person, which means traveling back to Vermont or waiting until you return.

What happens if I renew online but my address changed?

You cannot renew online if your address has changed. The online system will reject your renewal if it detects a mismatch. You'll need to renew by mail or in person and provide proof of your new address. In-person renewal is fastest for address changes because you get a temporary license the same day.

How long can I drive on my old license while waiting for the new one?

Your old license remains valid until your new license arrives. If you renewed online or by mail, you can drive on your current license for the full 7 to 10 business days it takes for the new one to arrive. If you renewed in person, you receive a temporary license when ready and can drive on that while your permanent license is mailed.

Can I renew my license if it's suspended?

No. You must resolve the suspension first by contacting the Vermont DMV to find out what caused it and what steps are needed to lift it. Once the suspension is cleared, you can renew in person at a DMV office. Online and mail renewal are not available for suspended licenses.

What if I lost my current license and need to renew?

You cannot renew by mail or online if you don't have your current license to send in or reference. You must visit a DMV office in person and report the lost license. Bring proof of identity, Social Security number, and current address. The DMV will issue you a replacement license at the same time, and you'll pay the renewal fee plus a replacement fee.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.